Prescription of potentially inappropriate medications in older adults: data from a dental institution.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the types and frequency of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) prescribed to geriatric patients while considering the patients' age groups and their American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status.

Study Design: We performed a 5-year retrospective chart review of patients aged 65 years and above who were seen in a dental institution. Patients' medical history, PIM prescriptions, and prescribers' specialty and professional status were analyzed.

Antiepileptic drugs alter endogenous retinoid concentrations: a possible mechanism of teratogenesis of anticonvulsant therapy.

The major antiepileptic drugs used for the control of seizures can induce developmental toxicity when administered during pregnancy. Vitamin A and retinoids are thought to control many processes of embryonic development including growth, differentiation and morphogenesis. We have therefore studied if the teratogenic action of antiepileptic agents could be mediated via alteration of the endogenous vitamin A--retinoid metabolism.